How does chromatography work?
Chromatography is a family of methods that separates components through different interactions with mobile and stationary phases.
Molecular process and core principles
Some substances remain longer in the stationary phase while others move faster with the mobile phase. Separation may depend on polarity, charge, size or specific binding.
Evidence, applications and limits
Retention time is compared with standards and amount with calibration and peak area. Sample preparation, blanks and a second method reduce false identification. Comparisons can be misleading unless temperature, pressure, concentration and sample purity are stated.
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